Face to face: the changing nature of connection
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can reflect on some theological and philosophical positions regarding relationships online and in real life.
Key learning points
- The rapid growth in technology means that people now spend time in relationships with others online as well as in person
- In Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis wrote that relationships require encounter and that digital relationships can be shallow
- The sociologist Sherry Turkle warns technology can offer the illusion of relationship and adds to loneliness.
- Philosophers and theologians question whether online relationships can be as meaningful as those in real life.
Keywords
Communication - the sharing of meaning between people through spoken, written or non‑verbal expression
Connection - a link between people created through communication or shared interaction.
Relationships - connections between people formed through communication
Common misconception
Students may think online relationships are automatically just as deep and meaningful as face‑to‑face ones.
Online connections can be meaningful, but thinkers like Pope Francis and Sherry Turkle argue they often lack real encounter, depth and presence. Digital contact can feel “made to measure” and risk becoming an illusion of friendship.
Teacher tip
When discussing loneliness or online habits, keep examples general and avoid asking students to share personal experiences. Use neutral scenarios to keep the room safe and transition gently into theological viewpoints.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.What is a 'digital' tool?
Q2.Paying full attention to what someone is saying is called active .
Q3.Which word describes the feeling of being alone and cut off from others?
Q4.Looking at someone's face and language can tell you a lot about how they are feeling.
Q5.When you understand how someone else is feeling, you are showing:
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each keyword to its meaning:
Q2.What is one effect of online communication?
Q3.Sherry Turkle argues digital contact can be .
Q4.In Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis teaches that digital communication can be an .
Q5.What is required for meaningful relationships according to Pope Francis?
Q6.Why does Pope Francis use the example of the Good Samaritan?
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Face to face: the changing nature of connection, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Face to face: the changing nature of connection, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Personhood: what might be the people of the future? unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.